by Gwyn Brodie
Galen nodded and went back to eating.
Jillian gave Kade a drink of the spiced mead. "Shaw, do you ken if any of Lochstorm's guards were killed?"
"Aye, m'lady, three of them were. I'm not certain of the names."
Jillian's eyes sparkled with tears. "I should've known Gordon lied to me. We must see to their families," she said to Kade.
"Aye, we will, you can be sure. Did you find that miserable cur, Rowan?"
"We found him hiding in the storeroom. He sits in the dungeon along with the rest. There is another matter, m'laird," Shaw said, glancing at Jillian.
Kade raised a brow inquiringly. "Aye, what is it?"
"The highwayman who attacked Lady Jillian and the lad has been captured."
Jillian gasped, bringing her hand over her mouth.
"Where is he? Bring him to me." Kade couldn't wait to get his hands on the outlaw, but the shape they were in, he'd have to think of some other way to punish the bastard.
"He's not here, m'laird. He robbed an earl's son, almost killing him, and stole his prized horse. The man was captured soon after by the earl and his guards. He was hanged where they found him."
Kade frowned. "How am I to be certain he's the same man?"
"He had in his possession a locket with the images of Laird Angus MacRae and his wife. The earl immediately recognized them as such and sent a man to Lochstorm with a missive—along with the locket." Shaw pulled out a tiny package wrapped in linen and tied with string. He handed it to Jillian. "Here 'tis, m'lady."
Her hands trembled and her eyes filled with tears as she untied the string. "I never thought I'd see this again," she said, cradling the locket in her hands. She gently opened it, smiling through her tears as she looked into the faces of her parents. After a moment, Jillian closed it and fastened it around her neck. She went back to feeding Kade.
The others finished eating and left the two of them at the table alone.
He shook his head when she offered him another scone. "Nay, Jilly, I couldn't hold another bite."
She leaned closer, so as only he could hear. "You need naught more, my laird?" she asked innocently, with that come-hither look in her eyes that always made him daft.
Kade's body leapt to attention. "Aye, lass," he whispered, "once I get you alone in our bedchamber, I'll be in need of plenty more. Glennis," he shouted.
The woman hurried to the table, wiping her hands on her apron. "Aye, m'laird?"
"Have the servants fill my tub. My wife wishes a bath," he said, never taking his gaze from Jillian's.
"Aye, m'laird," Glennis said, hurrying away to do his bidding.
Jillian wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down. She kissed him passionately.
But when he groaned against her mouth and reached for her, she slipped out of his grasp.
"Come, husband," she said, taking his arm. "There are many more kisses where those came from."
Kade grinned and hurried to obey.
EPILOGUE
Scottish Highlands, June 1604
In the sun-filled solar of Ravenskull Castle, Ian rolled the ball back to nine-month-old Robbie, who clapped and squealed with delight. Kade sat down on the settle beside his wife, marveling that the tiny dark-haired cherub with his mother's blue eyes was truly his son. No one deserved such happiness as he possessed. He slipped his arm around Jillian, and pulled her against his side. "The lad will make a fine warrior someday."
"And he'll rule his people with a strong and fair hand," Jillian said, leaning down to pat her young son's tiny curls.
From across the room, Galen chuckled loudly. "Don't you two think 'tis a wee bit early to be deciding the bairn's future. He's nine months and has but six teeth."
Kade threw back his head and laughed. "'Tis never too early to think about your child's future, Galen. One day you'll see that for yourself."
"Och, not anytime soon, I'm hoping."
A knock sounded at the door. "Who's there?" asked Kade, hoping 'twas not castle business to take him away from this peaceful moment with his family.
"I've a missive for Galen MacKinnon from Moorloch castle," said a voice in the corridor.
Galen hurried to open the door. A lad of about fifteen stood in the doorway. "Jamie, is something amiss?"
Jamie didn't answer, but handed him a sealed envelope and waited.
Galen quickly ripped it open, frowning as he read it. "Jamie, meet me at the stables. Tell the lad there to make ready my horse."
"Aye, sir," said Jamie, hurrying away.
Kade frowned and rose from the settle. "Galen, what has happened?" he asked, concerned for his friend.
"'Tis my younger brother, Ewan. He's being held captive by the MacPherson. The missive from my father says no more about the matter, only that I must return to Moorloch at once."
"I'll go with you." He glanced over at Jillian. She'd suddenly paled.
Galen shook his head. "Nay, you must stay here. If I need your help, I'll send for you."
Kade squeezed his shoulder. "You ken I'll be there."
"Aye, I do." Galen got down on the floor beside Robbie and kissed him on the head. The baby squealed and grabbed Galen's hair. During the nine months since his son's birth, his friend had become quite fond of Robbie—as well as Ian. "Goodbye, wee one," he said, gently removing Robbie's fingers from his hair. He turned to Ian. "Take care of him, lad. That's your job as his uncle."
Ian nodded. "I promise I will. Besides, it'll be a long time before Robbie is so big as me," he said, drawing himself up to his full height."
Galen grinned. "Aye, 'tis true, Ian."
When he got to his feet, Jillian was waiting for him. She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Much thanks, Galen, for all you've done. You'll always be welcome—at both Ravenskull and Lochstorm."
"Much thanks, Jillian. After I take care of this mess my brother has gotten himself into, I plan on coming back this way."
"Have a care 'til then," she said.
Kade walked beside him to the stables. "Galen, are you certain you don't wish me to come with you?"
He shook his head. "Nay, you've a family now that needs you. Perhaps someday I'll be so fortunate."
The stable lad brought out Galen's horse. He swung up into the saddle and looked down at Kade. "Farewell, my friend," he said and headed for Moorloch Castle with Jamie in tow.
***
The full moon illuminated the bedchamber as Kade lay in bed, waiting for Jillian to return from taking Robbie to the nursery. The bairn had fallen asleep between them, his long, dark lashes splayed against his cherub cheeks. He smiled to himself. The wee lad held a piece of Kade's heart in his hand—just as his mother did.
The bedchamber door opened and Jillian entered the room. Her hair, ever paler in the moonlight, hung unbound over her shoulders and down the back of the nightgown. His body reacted to her as it always did. She slipped beneath the covers and snuggled against him. She laid her head on his chest.
He kissed her forehead. "Did Robbie wake?"
"Nay, but he stirred when I reached him to Winnie. She soon had him again deep in slumber."
"Good." He turned onto his side and nuzzled her throat.
"Kade."
"Aye?" he asked, nibbling her earlobe.
"Robbie is going to have a brother or sister."
He raised his head and looked down at her, grinning. "Och, I hope this one is a wee lass with your fair hair and skin."
She grinned widely. "I hoped you'd be pleased."
"Aye, that I am," he said, and covered her mouth with his. Another wee bairn to love. That was just fine with Kade. He had a big heart—there would be enough pieces to go around.
***
Look for Galen's story in book 2 of The Highland Moon Series, Once in a Highland Moon, coming out the fall of 2013.
Thank you!
About the Author
Gwyn Brodie loves Scotland, its amazing history, its wonderful people, and travels there whenever she can. While in Scotland she enjoys l
earning about her ancestors the Murray, Clark, Boyd, Ramsey and McTavish clans. She lives with her husband in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina and besides writing Scottish historical romance, she also loves gardening, reading and refinishing old furniture.
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
EPILOGUE
other books
About the Author